Welcome To 2018: What Nigerian Musicians Must Do Excel This New Year

Welcome To 2018: What Nigerian Musicians Must Do Excel This New Year

2017 was a banner year for Nigerian music. Globally, our sounds shattered glass ceilings and crossed new boundaries – our pop stars gallantly cut through the international market and landed well-deserved recognition for their creativity.

Locally, mainstream hit records sprung from least expected angles (Small Doctor was the face of that movement) and with cheerful dance routines like Shaku-Shaku, the street had a fair share in the glory of 2017.

We have now begun a new journey – 2018 offers a fresh page. Thanks to God the exotic but highly exploited Ghanian Highlife/Pon-pon sound took an assumed bow with the year before; meaning there is a big room for sonic experiments, an opportunity for artistes to introduce new ideas and take a creative jump. This is also an opportunity for musicians to take heed and make needful improvements in their dealings.

Showmanship

A major takeaway from the numerous end of year concerts that held in the last month of 2017 is the fact that many Nigerian musicians (breakouts especially) are not great performers. 2018 shouldn’t be a year of ‘DJ Track One’. This shouldn’t be the year of boring live performances and cringe-worthy pitches. Every artiste who decides to headline a show or perform at any event owes their fans a memorable live experience. If you’re not up to the task, then kindly don’t show up at any event, stick to being a recording artiste, remain in the studio and play to your strengths.

Quality Music

In prospect, 2018 will be a year of numerous music project releases. With expected album releases by Davido, Tekno, Mayorkun, M.I Abaga and Extended Playlists from Mr Eazi and Maleek Berry, there is sure going to be more than enough music for consumption. Also, while those in the media must understand that pop music isn’t the only surviving genre in Nigeria, those who make what is generally termed ‘Alternative Music’ have to also craft their content in ways that capture more than their immediate fanbase.

Happy New Year Everyone! Year of THE BAG 💰I officially commit this year into God’s hands!!!! Time for the greatness to multiply! 11 more days till #FDOW EP DROPS !!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/MPKG6sWPMJ

To the fans; whether you’re a fan or not, ensure to celebrate good music and scream in disappointment when your faves put out subpar records. Music is a product and everyone who consumes it has the right to put a call through to the customer care unit whenever the product doesn’t meet their expected taste. In this case, social media is your most reliable customer care agent. Tag them (the artistes) to your messages of dissatisfaction, if they become unreceptive, form a digital rebel group and scream in unison until your demands are met. Nobody deserves dissatisfactions especially from their favorite brand #NoMediocrity2018.